Georgia community confronts drought fallout as data center drains 30 million gallons
Residents of Fayetteville, Ga., are furious after a Quality Technology Services data center reportedly drained about 29–30 million gallons of water during a drought, due to two industrial hookups that were billed inconsistently and one installed without notice. The county says a smart-meter upgrade caused a billing lapse, and the company has paid retroactive charges, while officials defend the project and residents call for greater accountability and oversight amid ongoing drought restrictions.